Key Findings from Research
- Increased biofuel use could stimulate Maryland’s economy through agricultural processing, helping address the state’s budget shortfall of $3 billion.
- Biofuels could provide immediate emissions reductions for vehicles manufactured since 2001, which account for 97% of gasoline sold.
- Using higher biofuel blends could reduce carbon emissions by 3.2 million metric tons yearly, equivalent to removing nearly 800,000 vehicles from roads.
Biofuels have long been touted as a promising solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability. Maryland has set ambitious climate targets, including a 60% reduction in emissions by 2031 and net-zero emissions by 2045. To achieve these goals, the state has launched a new task force focused on increasing biofuel use. The Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition has established the Maryland Biofuels Task Force to develop a roadmap for integrating biofuels into the state’s sustainability policies. The initiative follows preliminary research on the potential benefits of higher biofuel blends for Maryland’s economic and environmental security.
The Benefits of Biofuels
| Agro-Food Security | Supporting agricultural markets may enhance food security, stabilize prices, and prevent increased carbon emissions from farmland conversion. |
| Economic Stimulus | Biofuels could stimulate Maryland’s economy through agricultural processing, potentially helping address the state’s budget shortfall of $3 billion. |
| Environmental Benefits | Using higher biofuel blends could reduce carbon emissions by 3.2 million metric tons yearly, equivalent to removing nearly 800,000 vehicles from roads. |
According to the coalition, the research indicates that biofuels provide immediate emissions reductions for vehicles manufactured since 2001, which account for 97% of gasoline sold. This could save Maryland drivers approximately $569 million annually, about 20 cents per gallon. Furthermore, the shift towards higher biofuel blends could save the state an estimated $3.4 billion annually through reduced public health costs, lower climate-related economic losses, and decreased pollution. This highlights the potential for biofuels to address not only environmental concerns but also economic and social issues.
Task Force Goals and Objectives
- Develop a roadmap for integrating biofuels into Maryland’s sustainability policies.
- Engage with stakeholders, including government leaders, industry experts, and environmental advocates, to identify best practices and opportunities for growth.
- Provide a framework for addressing potential challenges and obstacles to implementing higher biofuel blends.
The task force aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan for increasing biofuel use in Maryland. The initiative is expected to provide a framework for addressing the state’s climate goals and promoting sustainability. In a statement, Antoine Thompson, executive director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition, said:
“The road to achieving Maryland’s carbon reduction goals needs to be paved with cleaner fuels in all legacy and new internal combustion engines while the state’s transition to more EVs continues.”
Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks has agreed to host a briefing to launch the task force’s yearlong stakeholder engagement campaign, Thompson said.
Support for the Task Force
Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks has expressed support for the task force, recognizing the potential benefits of biofuels for the state’s economy and environment. Atticks has agreed to host a briefing to launch the task force’s yearlong stakeholder engagement campaign.
Conclusion
The launch of the Maryland Biofuels Task Force marks an important step towards achieving Maryland’s ambitious climate goals. By increasing biofuel use, the state can stimulate its economy, enhance food security, and reduce carbon emissions. The task force’s yearlong stakeholder engagement campaign will provide a framework for addressing the state’s climate goals and promoting sustainability. As the state transitions to a more sustainable future, the potential benefits of biofuels will be crucial in driving economic growth and reducing environmental impacts.
